Disease Intervention Specialist

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and an intermediary agent, managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

DEPARTMENT: Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH)

• →Counsel patients with STDs, HIV, and/or other infectious diseases by conducting field investigative activities to locate and refer for examination people suspected of having these diseases.
• →Manage assigned individuals diagnosed with STDs in accordance with established STD Program protocols, including interviewing individuals, ongoing analysis of source/spread/cluster relationships, rapid response to Supervisory directives, identification of high-risk locations for subsequent screening activities, and timely case closure. Assures exhaustive case management and documentation.
• →Conduct timely field investigative activities to locate individuals with suspected or confirmed STD infection and assure appropriate examination/treatment. Document all activities in accordance with STD Program protocols.
• →Obtain clinical specimens from patients, including blood (phlebotomy), urine, and pharyngeal specimens, in field and clinic settings, in accordance with established protocols.
• →Provide screening and education at high-risk venues such as bars, bathhouses, crack houses, and other locations.
• →Provide STD presentations at health fairs, schools, community-based organizations, and local, state, and national conferences regarding STDs.
• →Participate in a variety of STD Program activities including screening/education/referral services at Family Court, Philadelphia Prisons, Youth Study Center, and STD Clinics, for example.
• →Staff Mobile Units and assist in recruitment of high-risk individuals (e.g., prostitutes and drug users), conducting specimen collection and processing of paperwork and specimens.
• →Support the Philadelphia High School STD Screening program by providing presentations, urine specimen processing, student follow-up and interviews, and other activities.
• →Transport specimens (blood, urine, etc.) to the Public Health Laboratory, as needed.
• →Transport patients to and from public health centers and other medical facilities.
• →Provide targeted outreach at sites throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to individuals at high risk of STDs and other communicable diseases.
• →Complete the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Employee training and achieve at least 80% on each of the module tests and the comprehensive exam.
• →Be available, attend, and complete the one-week, out-of-town CDC-sponsored training.
• →Complete HIV Counseling training provided by the Philadelphia AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO).
• →Complete Phlebotomy training and training in other (urine, sputum, pharyngeal, fecal, etc.) specimen collection/handling/transport techniques for clinic and field settings, including routine implementation of universal precautions to avoid accidental infection and specimen contamination.
• →Complete training and demonstrate competence in the use of the STD Control Program’s STD Computer Information Database (SCID), a web-based computerized system used to document/monitor/manage nearly all aspects of STD Program operations.
• →Participate in Emergency Preparedness response training and demonstrate a willingness to perform assigned role/s.
• →Respond to public health emergencies.
• →Available to other STD Control staff and occasionally STD Clinic staff for translation services should the DIS be bilingual.
• →Perform related duties as required.

• Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and insurance rider (to allow for the transportation of patients) required. This documentation must be submitted to the employer and updated annually.
• Ability to perform all specified duties and tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality and privacy of health data.
• Ability to interact sensitively, effectively, and professionally with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Equally comfortable working individually and within a team environment.
• Willingness and flexibility in accepting direction.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Be able to work a non-traditional work schedule.

• One year of work experience in a public health field preferred but not required.
• Previous phlebotomy experience is desired but not required, as training will be provided.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package consisting of medical and dental coverage, as well as paid sick, vacation, and personal time. 

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.